Her Only Son (27 page)

Tessa received a healthy settlement from the government from her ordeal with Hakon and Operation Vala, along with her compensation for being in the program. She moved to Nevada and lived right down the street from Brice and Kinsey. Ryker and her daughter, Tyra, were growing up together and Tessa was happier than she’d ever been. For now, her plans on becoming a vet were put on hold. Once her daughter was older, she might pursue her dream career, but for now, her life revolved around Tyra.

Sheila was the branch manager at the bank in Chicago and was engaged to a guy she met at an art show. She remained in close contact with Kinsey and Brice and they got together as often as they could.

Keith fully recovered from the shooting and found his wife and daughter. Actually, they found him. Melody had seen the news about Hakon’s death and Keith’s shooting. She arrived at the hospital with Hannah and they were sitting by the side of his bed when he awoke one day. He thought he was dreaming. They’re expecting another child as well.

Ted and Margaret convinced everyone to get together for a weekend at their house in New Mexico before the end of the summer.

Kinsey flew her family out, as did Tessa. Sheila and her fiancée, and Keith, Melody, and their daughter came as well. Even Sorina and her parents showed up. Ted and Margaret had a house full and they were cherishing every minute of it.

Everyone was gathered on the back deck, enjoying each other’s company. The barbeque was full of meat and a table was set up in the corner of the deck, brimming with side dishes and finger food. Sheila was discussing plans for her upcoming wedding. The home was full of love and laughter.

Kinsey and Tessa sat beside a small kiddy pool in the yard that Ted and Margaret had set up for Ryker and Tyra. As the kids splashed and played, Tessa reached over and squeezed Kinsey’s hand.

“Can you believe it’s been over a year?”

Kinsey shook her head. “I’m not sure. On one hand, it seems like yesterday, on another, it seems like a lifetime ago.”

Tessa chuckled. “I know what you mean.”

“One good thing did come from it.”

Tessa already knew where she was going, but she played along. “Oh, yeah, what’s that?”

Kinsey laughed. “Like you don’t already know.” She reached over and hugged her. “I would have never met you.”

“Yes, that was a blessing.” She pointed to the two squealers in the pool. “We wouldn’t have them either.”

Kinsey smiled. “No, we wouldn’t, and I wouldn’t have Brice or any of the others involved in my life. Funny how things work out, huh?”

“Meant to be, I guess.”

Kinsey patted her growing belly. “Meant to be.” She paused. “We put flowers on Stella’s grave before we left.”

Tessa looked down. “So sad about her.”

“I know. Brice had a difficult time with it.”

“I know.”

The two exchanged a glance and Tessa reached for Kinsey’s hand. Kinsey accepted it and squeezed.

Brice called from the deck, telling them the food was ready. They grabbed the squealers from the pool and headed to the deck to join the others.